Country houses for sale

Perfect properties for sale in 2010

For anyone planning a move this year, the property wish list is an important starting point.

House finder Nick Wooldridge of /Stacks Property Searchadvises buyers to think beyond the property itself and look at how it best meets their needs.

The following is the top ten criteria he expects from purchasers in 2010 reflecting the current economic and social climate. These are not only useful for buyers, but also for sellers so they can best position their property.

* Within cycling distance of shops and local facilities for when petrol prices rise

* In the catchment area of a good local state school – no more fees

* Low crime rates

* A strong local employer in the area – good for the community

* Close to good public transport links – back to the petrol issue

* Homes with broad appeal and no compromises – ensures easy re-sales

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* Friendly neighbours – for sharing and help with problems

* Good Broadband service and mobile signal

* Complicated recycling system – reduce trips to the local tip

* Village allotment – growing your own will become even more popular

Philip Selway of The Buying Solutionconcurs that more buyers will add energy efficiency to their list of requirements. ‘As the environment and climate change increasingly influence the political agenda, buyers are becoming more aware of ‘green’ issues.

‘A client recently removed a central heating system installed by the previous owner and replaced it with an energy efficient one supplying his electricity, with the oversupply being sold on to the National Grid. This has the double advantage of being energy efficient and financially beneficial.’

Criteria such as good transport links, schools and amenities will still play a big part, but so too will questions around how well a property will retain and increase its value in the long-term, suggests Stephen Baker from .

Buyers’ criteria also vary by region, he adds. ‘In south Devon, we see buyers willing to compromise on access to local shops and transport in favour of living by the sea or in more picturesque rural locations. Quality of life is the main motivator and this is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future.’

Homes currently for sale that meet some of the features buyers are likely to want next year include:

Fosters Farm, Tonbridge, Kent £1.45m

Six-bedroom 16th century farmhouse just outsideTonbridge and set in about three acres of land. Within cycling distance of shops and in the catchment area of good local schools such as Tonbridge Grammar, Weald Grammar and The Judd School.
Chesterton Humberts Sevenoaks 01732 741212 www.chestertonhumberts.com
Falmouth Road, Truro, Cornwall £575,000

Four-bedroom listed period terrace with many original features close to shops, leisure amenities, a mainline station and Newquay Airport.
Jackson-Stops & Staff Truro 01872 261160 www.jackson-stops.co.uk

Kelsale, Saxmundham, Suffolk £1.25 million

Fine Grade-II listed Georgian rectory in two acres on the outskirts of Kelsale with 12 bedroom suites, five further bedrooms and a ground floor apartment. Close to the mainline link to London Liverpool Street, the A12 and the coastal towns of Aldeburgh and Southwold.
Abbotts Town & Country 01473 280645 www.abbotts.co.uk